WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) released the following statement to kick offNational Clean Energy Week:
"I often hear Republicans characterized as opposing renewables and other clean energy, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Conservatives were the original conservationists, and I'm proud to support an all-of-the-above energy approach. Mycolleagues and I have introduced a slew of bills to promote clean energy development through regulatory streamlining and American critical mineral development, as well as the use of hydropower, natural gas and biofuels. Where Democrats have empty platitudes, Republicans have a plan for a clean and reliable American energy sector. This week and every week, I'm honored to back policies that lead us into a cleaner, more reliable energy future."
Background
Republicans have introduced a variety of legislation to promote responsible clean energy developmentthis Congress, including:
The Accessing America's Critical Minerals Act,introduced by U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), which would reformonerous and duplicative steps in the critical mineral permitting process by requiring federal agencies to adhere to timelines and improve coordination.
The Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act,introduced by U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.),which would instruct theDepartment of the Interior to establish priority areas on federalland for geothermal, solarand wind energy projects, consistent with the principles of multiple use and the renewable energy permitting goal.
The BUILDER Act,introduced by U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.),whichwould modernize the outdated National Environmental Policy Actto make infrastructure project reviews more efficient, reduce project costs, spur economic recovery and rebuild America.
The Resilient Federal Forests Act,introduced by U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.),which would provide comprehensive solutions to address the rapidly declining health of American forests and prevent catastrophic wildfires by expediting environmental analyses, reducing frivolous lawsuits and increasing the pace and scale of critical forest restoration projects
The American Critical Minerals Independence Act,introduced by U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.),which would invest in recycling technologies and innovative mining and processing techniques, streamlinethe permitting of critical minerals productionand requirethat agencies analyze the mineral potential of federal lands.
The Trillion Trees Act,introduced by U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), which would solidify the United States as a global leader of the One Trillion Trees Initiative to conserve, restore and grow 1 trillion trees worldwide.
The RENEW WIIN Act,introduced by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.),whichwould support western water infrastructure projects.
The Securing America's Mineral Supply Chains Act,introduced by U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.),whichwould support the mining workforce, promote innovation throughout the sector and streamline permitting processes.
The Permitting for Mining Needs Act,introduced by U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), which would cut regulatory red tape, maximize efficiency and minimize delays in domestic mineral production.
